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350 Gather to Celebrate the New Year, African Style

03 Jan 2014

It was a special event which had been created to bring a truly African flavour to the Frome’s New Year’s celebrations, whilst raising invaluable funds for two local grassroots organisations. Despite the widespread support they had received in the weeks leading up to the big night, event organisers Sarah Hillman and Matt Crowcombe from the Mama Upendo and SOS Africa Charities were blown away by the large crowds of party goers of all ages who massed at the doors of The Cheese and Grain in Frome last Tuesday night. They had been promised a generous serving of African cuisine and music which mould make their New Year’s celebrations truly memorable and the night did not disappoint!

It all began with an impressive solo performance by Kisella Hillman, which certainly drew the crowd’s attention and proved to be a truly outstanding introduction to the night’s entertainment. Meanwhile Frome’s party starved parents breathed a collective sigh of relief as their excited children flooded into the children’s area to be entertained by the brave Claudia Titley and Freya Ellis, before returning with painted faces proudly bearing the beautiful African necklaces and drums they had made.

It was also not long before queues formed around the tables packed with platters of African foods to be served by Sarah and her wonderful band of loyal helpers. After days of preparation the team’s efforts were rewarded by a chorus of compliments and demands for seconds.

The night was also blessed by the last minute appearance of the band of drummers which proved to be the perfect support act to the magnificent Congo Soukous Beats. Within moments of their arrival, adults and children of all ages headed towards the dance floor and boogied in unison, only to be separated by the occasional weaving conga dance patrols. As the excitement grew, the time flew by and before long young and old were all celebrating the much anticipated arrival of 2014, as confetti engulfed the stage and audience.

A participant was overheard to reflect on the night stating ‘It proved to be a truly family occasion; an event like no other. Everything was on hand to provide a perfect evening for both parents and children alike; no babysitters were required’.

We would like to say a big thank you to all of our wonderful acts, selfless helpers and the many guests who travelled from all over the UK to help make the event a night which will not be forgotten but hopefully soon relived!

We would also like to wish all of our supporters across the World a very Happy New Year!

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